As I watched the news unfold yesterday afternoon, my heart broke. With each passing image my stomach began to churn. What is being called one of the biggest and deadliest tornados in the history of the world struck the Moore Oklahoma community yesterday afternoon leaving behind a path of debris, destruction and devastation.

While many of us were heading home to hug and play with our loved ones, many families in Moore Oklahoma were searching for their loved ones in hopes that everyone was okay. For some, last night was an emotional reunion after a day of intense uncertainty, while for others it was the beginning of an unending nightmare.

As of the writing of this article, at least 51 have been confirmed dead and several others are still unaccounted for. Like all of you, I am thrilled to hear the many tales of survival this morning, but sadden to know many parents and family members still don’t know if their loved ones survived or not. It’s sickening to think about.

Which brings me to the question, “What can we do? Living several thousand miles away, how can we best assist those affected?” I know this is a question many people are asking. For most of us we don’t have the time, means or capabilities of physically traveling to Oklahoma to volunteer our services. If you are able to go, that is wonderful. Go and help as much and as long as you can. However, for those of us who can’t just pick up and go, what can we do? Consider a few possible ways we can be of assistance.

1) Give Monetarily. There are several organizations collecting funds to help those affected by the devastation. If you can donate $10, $20, $50 or $100, donate it. If you can only donate $5, donate $5. However much you have to donate, give it. Every little bit helps. Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Let’s help the people who have been affected bear this great burden.

2) Give Physically. I have heard of several disaster relief agencies preparing to travel to Oklahoma a.s.a.p. Pick one and find out what they are in need of and then give it. Water, canned food, clothes, etc. whatever they will accept, give to the cause. John wrote, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (I Jn. 3:17-18). Let’s shower the people of Oklahoma with the love of God.

3) Give Spiritually. First and foremost, as should always be the case, spend time in prayer. Ask God to comfort and bless this community and all those families who have been affected by this tragedy. The Bible teaches we have a responsibility to pray for others (Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:18). Even when we are confused and not quite sure what to pray, just start praying. The Spirit will intercede for us (Rom. 8:26-27). Let us pray, pray and pray some more.

Friends, as the heartbreaking news continues to break and the number of those who lost their lives continues to go up, let’s remember to find a way to do what we can to help alleviate the debris, destruction and the devastation that has taken place.

May our thoughts and prayers go out, not only today but for the days ahead, to all the people whose lives have been altered by this devastating tornado.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What else can we do to help the people of Oklahoma? Leave your comments below.